Gear attachment system

ABSTRACT

A system includes knobs on an item of gear and a latch attached to a carrier. Each knob has a neck and a head with a larger diameter. First and second sliders fit into a latch frame. Hooks on the sliders form expandable apertures. To attach, the knob is pushed against the slider hooks to expand the aperture. After the head passes through the aperture, a spring biases the hooks together so the aperture width is smaller than the head diameter, capturing the knob. A carrier adapter adapts the latch to a carrier. Adapters are available for duty belts, MOLLE-equipped carriers, and horizontal slots.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to duty belt gear, more particularly, tosystems for attaching gear to duty belts and other gear carriers.

2. Description of the Related Art

Typical duty belts worn by police officers are made from leather ornylon webbing in layers with plastics, adhesives, and PU leathers, forsupport and durability. The belts are 2.25 inches wide and 0.25 inchesthick and support the full weight (up to 30 pounds) of duty gear used bya police officer. Duty belts are too wide to be threaded through trouserbelt loops, so they are either fastened to the waist using specialkeeper belts and belt keepers (1-inch-wide leather or synthetic strapswith heavy duty snaps), or by using hook and loop tape on the back ofthe duty belt which mates to hook or loop keeper belts. The keeper beltsare threaded through the trouser loops. Either combination prevents theofficer's belt from being rotated around his waist, for example, in astruggle.

The duty gear items such as weapon, non-lethal weapon (Taser), radio,hand cuff case, mag pouches, pepper spray pouch, baton pouch, and so on,are made from leather or synthetic materials and are either sewn ormolded into the shape of the items. The individual duty gear itemstypically slide onto the duty belt in the order that the officer wantsthem to be positioned on the waist, beginning from the left side of thewearer's body to the right side. The loaded belt is then placed over thekeeper belt and engaged with separate keepers or stuck to the hook orloop tape.

The items typically fit tight but can still slide during the shift, withthe exception of the weapon or radio holsters, which can sometimes befixed in place. Hook and loop fasteners can help prevent items fromsliding, as do keepers, but only until they engage with the next fixedbelt loop. During the shift, the only way an officer can move the gearon or off of the duty belt is to remove the item from its protectivecase or pouch or remove the entire belt and take all of the other itemsoff until the desired item is reached and then put the desired itemsback on.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system for quickly adding and removing itemsof gear from a duty belt or other carrier, such as a vest equipped witha Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system or ashirt/jacket equipped with slots. The system includes knobs attached tothe gear item, a latch that attaches to the carrier, an optional carrieradapter that adapts the latch to the carrier, and an optional plate thatattaches the knobs to the item.

The knobs are attached directly or indirectly to the item of gear. Theknob is directly attached when the knob is physically attached to thegear item. The knob is indirectly attached to the item of gear when anintermediary component, such as a rigid, flat plate, is between the knoband item of gear. A knob has a neck extending from the plate and a headattached to the neck. The head has a larger diameter than that of theneck.

The latch has a frame, a first slider, a second slider, a biasingmechanism which is typically a coil spring, and an optional cover. Theframe has a bore extending into the frame for each knob.

The first slider and second slider are thin and flat. Each has a centerbar extending in the Y direction with a pair of arms extendingperpendicularly in the X direction from the inner edge to an end. Theend of each arm curves between 90° and 180° to form hooks. On the firstslider, the hooks curve toward each other, and on the second slider, thehooks curve away from each other. The edge of the center bar oppositethe arms is the squeeze edge. At the center of the center bar on inneredge is a spring wall that extends in the Y and Z directions.

The sliders slidably fit into a slider depression in the frame such thatthe concave edges of a hook from each slider form the rim of an aperturethat is axially aligned with a knob bore. The spring sits between andpushes against the spring walls of the sliders to bias the sliders awayfrom each other to the latched position. In the latched position, theaperture width is smaller than the diameter of the knob head so that theknob is captured by the aperture. When inward pressure is applied to theslider squeeze edges, the sliders move toward each other against thespring bias to the unlatched position. In the unlatched position, theaperture width is larger than the diameter of the knob head so the knobcan pass through the aperture. When the pressure is released, the springreturns the latch to the latched position.

To attach the gear item to the latch, the knobs are pushed against theslider hooks to force the hooks apart against the spring to theunlatched position. After the knob heads pass through the apertures, thespring biases the sliders back to the latched position, where the widthof the apertures is smaller than the diameter of the knob heads and theaperture rims surround the knob necks, thereby capturing the knobs.

To remove the gear item, the squeeze edges are squeezed together,causing the apertures to widen. When large enough, the knobs are pulledfrom the apertures.

The device of the present invention can be made with two or more holesin the X-direction by additional hooks extending from the arms to formadditional apertures. Furthermore, the device can be made with holesonly in the X-direction. A pair of mirror image first and second sliderswith a single arm having a pair of hooks extends from the center bar.

Likewise, the gear item can have knobs in only the X direction, the Ydirection, or both. The number of knobs will typically depend on thesize and weight of the gear item.

Optionally, a swivel can be installed between the plate/item and theknobs. The swivel has a base that is attached to the gear item/plate anda rotator from which the knobs extend. The base and rotator are attachedtogether by an axle on which the rotator rotates.

A carrier adapter attached to the latch adapts the latch to a carrier. Acarrier adapter for a duty belt has a belt channel attached to the latchframe. Set screws secure the latch at the desired position on the dutybelt. Another carrier adapter for a duty belt has a folded-over clipthat clips onto the duty belt. A wire hasp secures the latch to the dutybelt.

A carrier adapter for a MOLLE-equipped carrier has one or morefolded-over hooks at its top edge that hook into the MOLLE loops. A pairof tabs extending downwardly fit into the MOLLE loops below the hooks.

A carrier adapter for attaching to a horizontal slot has a folded-overclip. The clip slides into the slot and is held there by the clippressing against the latch.

Objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of thefollowing drawings and detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the presentinvention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a knob with several characteristics;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a knob with several characteristics;

FIG. 4 is a side view of another knob attachment to the plate;

FIG. 5 is a side view of another knob attachment to the plate;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the latch without the cover in the latchedposition;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the latch without the cover in the unlatchedposition;

FIG. 8 is a side, cross-sectional view of the latch;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the latch frame;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the latch frame;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the latch sliders and spring;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the latch sliders and spring;

FIG. 13 is a front view of another configuration of the latch slidersand spring;

FIG. 14 is a front view of another configuration of the latch slidersand spring;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the aperture in the latched position;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the aperture and knob inthe latched position;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the aperture in the unlatched position;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the aperture and knob inthe unlatched position;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of an alternative configuration of theaperture in the unlatched position;

FIG. 20 is a front view of an elongated configuration of the latchwithout the cover in the latched position;

FIG. 21 is a front view of a configuration of the latch with two rows oftwo apertures and without the cover in the latched position;

FIG. 22 is a front view of a configuration of the latch with a singlerow of two apertures and without the cover in the latched position;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a panel with two vertical knobs;

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a panel with two horizontal knobs;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of a panel with four knobs in a rectangulararrangement;

FIG. 26 is a side, cross-sectional view of a swivel;

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of the apparatus with the knobs attacheddirectly to the gear item;

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a latch with a carrier adapter forattachment to a duty belt;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of the latch attached to a dutybelt;

FIG. 30 is an isometric view of a latch with a carrier adapter forclipping onto a duty belt in the open position;

FIG. 31 is an isometric view of a latch with a carrier adapter forclipping onto a duty belt in the closed position;

FIG. 32 is an isometric view of a latch with a carrier adapter forattachment to a MOLLE-equipped carrier;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional side view of the latch attached to aMOLLE-equipped carrier;

FIG. 34 is a partial phantom back view of the latch attached to aMOLLE-equipped carrier; and

FIG. 35 is an isometric view of a latch with a carrier adapter forattachment to a horizontal slot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application hereby incorporates by reference in its entiretyU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/615,184, on which thisapplication is based.

The present invention is a system for quickly adding and removing itemsof gear from a duty belt or other carrier, such as a vest equipped witha Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system or ashirt/jacket equipped with slots.

The system of the present invention allows the wearer to set up the dutybelt in such a way that the items are either fixed to or slidable on theduty belt. Items can be made slidable for when, for example, the officeris driving to allow items to be moved from the small of the back aroundto the side.

The system allows the officer to add or remove items easily during theshift. For example, a Taser might be useful for certain calls but may beleft in the car for others. The officer can simply snap the pouch, case,or holster on and squeeze it off the belt during the shift as often asneeded. At the end of the shift, the officer can, for example, removejust the weapon and holster from the belt and store them away forsafekeeping.

The system also allows duty gear to be moved from the belt to aMOLLE-equipped vest during the shift. This can be useful, for example,when driving, allowing the officer to temporarily move gear from therear of the belt, where it interferes with comfort, to the vest.

The system also allows other items of gear to be easily movable duringthe shift. This can be useful, for example, to move a badge from a shirtto a jacket.

The system 10 of the present invention includes knobs 28 attached to thegear item 2, a latch 14 that attaches to the carrier 4, an optionalcarrier adapter 16 that adapts the latch 14 to a carrier 4, and anoptional plate 20 that attaches the knobs 28 to the item 2. The term“carrier” is used as a general term to denote a duty belt, vest,backpack, bag, shirt, or any other article to which a gear item 2 can beattached.

The knobs 28 are attached directly or indirectly to the item of gear.The knob 28 is directly attached when the knob 28 is physically attachedto the gear item 2, as in FIG. 27, which shows the knobs 28 attached toa badge 2.

The knob 28 is indirectly attached to the item of gear when anintermediary component is between the knob 28 and item of gear. In mostcases, a plate 20 is the intermediary component, as shown in FIG. 1.Except where specifically described, the remainder of the presentspecification assumes that the knobs 28 are attached to a plate 20. Theassemblage of plate 20 and knobs 28 is referred to as a panel 12.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, each of the knobs 28 has a neck 32 extendingperpendicularly, either directly or indirectly, from the front surface22 of the plate 20 and a head 34 attached to the end of the neck 32. Theneck 32 has a round cross section and can be cylindrical, as in FIG. 2,or conical, as in FIG. 3. A conical neck is conical at the front surface22, as at 36, and cylindrical at the head 34, as at 38. The length 40 ofthe neck 32 is described below.

The head 34 has a round cross section and has a larger diameter 48 thanthat of the neck 32 at the junction of the head 34 and neck 32.Optionally, the head 34 is tapered, as at 44, such that its diameter issmaller at the tip 46 than at the neck 32. The shape of the taper 44 canbe round, as in FIG. 2, or conical, as in FIG. 3, or any otherappropriate shape.

The present invention contemplates that any method of attaching the knob28 to the plate 20 can be employed. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the knob 28 isformed as part of the plate 20, for example, by molding or machining theknobs 28 with the plate 20. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the knob 28 is at the endof a stud 50 that extends through a hole 52 in the plate 20. The stud 50includes a stop 54 to retain the knob 28 in the correct position. InFIG. 4, the stop 54 is a disk 56 that fits into a countersunk hole 58 inthe back surface 24 of the plate 20. In FIG. 5, the stop 54 is a conicalsection 60 in a countersunk hole 62. The present invention contemplatesthat any form of stop 54 that secures the knob 28 in the correctposition can be used.

The present invention contemplates that the stud 50 can be secured inthe hole 52 by any adequate means. Methods include, but are not limitedto, adhesives, welding, soldering, and press fit.

A stud 50 that is assembled to the plate 20 has the advantage that thestud 50 and plate 20 can be composed of different materials. Forexample, the plate 20 can be composed of an aluminum alloy or plasticfor low weight and the stud 50 can be composed of stainless steel forstrength.

The latch 14 is shown in FIGS. 6-17. The latch 14 includes a frame 72, afirst slider 74, a second slider 76, a biasing mechanism 78 which istypically a coil spring 86, and an optional cover 80. The latch 14 hasan X direction that is horizontal in FIGS. 6 and 7, a Y direction thatis vertical in FIGS. 6-8, and a Z direction that is horizontal in FIG.8.

The frame 72 is shown in detail in FIGS. 9 and 10. The frame 72 has abore 100 for each knob 28. The bores 100 extend into the frame 72 in theZ direction and are aligned in the Y direction. One or more optionalslider stops 102 extend away from the frame 72 in the Z direction.Between the bores 100 is a spring slot 104, which is a deep depressionin the Z direction in the frame 72 that extends in the X direction. Thebores 100, slider stops 102, and spring slot 104 are within the area ofa slider depression 106, a shallow depression in the Z direction in theframe 72 that extends the full X dimension of the frame 72 and a shortdistance beyond the bores 100 in the Y direction. A cover depression 108within the boundaries of the frame 72 is shallower in the Z directionthan the slider depression 106. The cover depression 108 is shorter inthe X direction and longer in the Y direction. Each of these frameelements is discussed in detail below.

The first slider 74, second slider 76, and spring 86 are shown in FIGS.11-14. The sliders 74, 76 are thin and flat.

In FIG. 11, the first slider 74 has a center bar 120 extending in the Ydirection with a pair of arms 122 extending perpendicularly in the Xdirection from the inner edge 134 to an end 136. The end 136 of each arm122 curves toward the other arm between approximately 90° andapproximately 180° to form hooks 124. The edge of the center bar 120opposite the arms 122 is the squeeze edge 126. Optionally, a squeeze tab130 that widens the squeeze edge 126 for comfort can be formed at thesqueeze edge 126 typically by bending a short extension of the centerbar 120 90° in the Z direction, as in FIG. 12. At the center of thecenter bar 120 on inner edge 134 is a spring wall 128 that extends inthe Y and Z directions. The spring wall 128 is formed typically bybending a tab 90° in the Z direction.

In FIG. 11, the second slider 76 has a center bar 140 extending in the Ydirection with a pair of arms 142 extending perpendicularly in the Xdirection from the inner edge 154 to an end 156. The end 156 of each arm142 curves away the other arm between approximately 90° andapproximately 180° to form hooks 144. The edge of the center bar 140opposite the arms 142 is the squeeze edge 146. Optionally, a squeeze tab150 that widens the squeeze edge 146 for comfort can be formed at thesqueeze edge 146 typically by bending a short extension of the centerbar 140 90° in the Z direction, as in FIG. 12. At the center of thecenter bar 140 on the inner edge 154 is a spring wall 148 that extendsin the Y and Z directions. The spring wall 148 is typically formed bybending a tab 90° in the Z direction.

Although most of the figures show the slider configuration of FIG. 11,alternate configurations of the sliders 74, 76 can be employed. In FIG.13, both sliders 74, 76 have hooks 124, 144 that curve toward eachother. In FIG. 14, both sliders 74, 76 have hooks 124, 144 that curveaway from each other.

The sliders 74, 76 slidably fit into the slider depression 106 in theframe 72, as in FIGS. 6-8. With the slider configuration of FIG. 11, thesliders 74, 76 do not overlap each other, so that the slider depression106 has a depth that is the thickness of one slider 74, 76. With theconfigurations of FIGS. 13 and 14, the sliders 74, 76 overlap, so thatthe slider depression 106 has a depth that is the sum of the thicknessesof both sliders 74, 76.

The spring walls 128, 148 fit into the spring slot 104. The spring 86resides in the spring slot 104 and pushes against the spring walls 128,148 to bias the sliders 74, 76 away from each other. The spring walls128, 148 abut the ends 112 of the spring slot 104 to limit the outwardtravel of the sliders 74, 76. When the spring walls 128, 148 abut theends 112 of the spring slot 104, the latch 14 is in the latchedposition, as in FIG. 6.

In the configuration of the present invention described herein, thebiasing mechanism 78 is a coil spring 86. The present inventioncontemplates that any form of biasing mechanism can be used. Examplesinclude, but are not limited to, leaf spring(s) between or outside ofthe sliders 74, 76, coil spring(s) outside of the sliders 74, 76, andspring tabs integral with the sliders 74, 76.

When in the latched position, shown in FIGS. 6, 15, and 16, the concaveedges 132, 152 of the hooks 124, 144 form the rims 166 of apertures 160that are axially aligned with the knob bores 100. The parameters of theapertures 160 are explained below.

When inward pressure is applied to the squeeze edges 126, 146 of thesliders 74, 76, the sliders 74, 76 move toward each other as the bias ofthe spring 86 is overcome. The inward motion is limited by the inneredge 154 of the center bar 140 of the second slider 76 hitting theslider stops 102 and/or the ends of the first slider arms 122 hittingthe slider stops 102, as in FIG. 7. When this occurs, the latch 14 is inthe unlatched position, as in FIGS. 7, 17, and 18. When in the unlatchedposition, the apertures 160 are enlarged in the X direction.

When the pressure is released, the spring 86 returns the latch 14 to thelatched position shown in FIGS. 6, 15, and 16.

In the latched position, shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the width 162 of theaperture 160 in the X dimension is smaller than the diameter 48 of theknob head 34 so that the knob head 34 cannot pass through the aperture160. In the unlatched position, shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the width 162of the aperture 160 is larger than the diameter 48 of the knob head 34so that the knob head 34 can pass through the aperture 160. In both thelatched and unlatched position, the height 164 of the apertures 160 inthe Y dimension is larger than the diameter 48 of the knob head 34.

FIGS. 15 and 17 show an aperture 160 formed by concave edges 132, 152 ofthe hooks 124, 144 that extend over approximately 180° so that the rim166 is whole, that is, without a break. FIG. 19 shows an alternativeconfiguration where the hooks 124, 144 extend over approximately 90° sothat the rim 166 that forms the aperture 160, shown as a dashed line, isnot whole. This configuration still works because the width 162 of theaperture 160 is still smaller than the diameter 48 of the knob head 34when in the latched position.

As shown in FIG. 8, the cover 80 fits in the cover depression 108 and issecured, typically by screws 170 in threaded holes 172. The cover 80secures the spring 86 in the spring slot 104 and the sliders 74, 76 inthe slider depression 106. The cover 80 also protects the mechanism ofthe latch 14 from ambient conditions and impacts.

The cover 80 has holes 174 that are axially aligned with the apertures160 and knob bores 100.

To attach the panel 12 to the latch 14, the knobs 28 are inserted intothe holes 174 in the cover 80 until they contact the aperture rim 166.By further pushing the knobs 28, the head taper 44 forces the hooks 124,144 apart against the spring 86 and the sliders 74, 76 toward each otherto the unlatched position, where the apertures 160 are large enough toallow the knob heads 34 to pass through. When the plate 20 abuts thecover 80 and the heads 34 pass completely through the apertures 160, thespring 86 biases the sliders 74, 76 back to the latched position, wherethe width 162 of the apertures 160 is smaller than the diameter 48 ofthe knob heads 34 and the aperture rims 166 surround the knob necks 32,thereby capturing the knobs 28.

The length 40 of the neck 32 must be long enough to extend through thecover hole 174 and the aperture 160 when the plate 20 is against thecover 80. If the neck 32 is too long, there will be too much play in theattachment. Consequently, the neck 32 should be only slightly longerthan necessary to extend through the cover hole 174 and the aperture160. Then the panel 12 will be held tightly against the latch 14 withlittle or no play.

The panel 12 is removed from the latch 14 by squeezing the squeeze edges126, 146 together, which causes the hooks 124, 144 to separate, therebyenlarging the apertures 160 in the X direction on both sides of the knobbore 100 so that the width 162 is larger than the knob head diameter 48.The panel 12 can then be pulled from the latch 14.

As a safety mechanism, both squeeze edges 126, 146 must be squeezedtogether. If only one squeeze edge 126, 146 is squeezed, only one hook124, 144 moves, leaving the other hook 124, 144 to retain the knob 28.

The device of the present invention can be made wider by lengthening theslider arms 122, 142, as in FIG. 17. Because the ends of the slider arms122, 142 are farther away from the slider stops 102, additional stops110 for the first slider 74 can be employed, shown in FIG. 20 in twodifferent locations. Alternatively, the slider stops 102 can beelongated in the X direction.

The device of the present invention can be made with two or more holesin the X-direction, as in FIG. 21. Each arm 122 of the first slider 74has a first finger 176 forming a first center hook 180 between the firstcenter bar 120 and the first end hook 124. Each arm 142 of the secondslider 76 has a second finger 178 forming a second center hook 182between the second center bar 140 and the second end hook 144. Oneaperture 160 is formed by the first end hook 124 and the second centerhook 182. Another aperture 160 is formed by the second end hook 144 andthe first center hook 180.

The device of the present invention can be made with holes only in theX-direction, as in FIG. 22. The sliders 74, 76 are mirror images. Thefirst slider 74 has a single arm 122 with a first end hook 124 and afirst finger 176 forming a first center hook 180 between the firstcenter bar 120 and the first end hook 124. The second slider 76 has asingle arm 142 with a second end hook 144 and a second finger 178forming a second center hook 182 between the second center bar 140 andthe second end hook 144. One aperture 160 is formed by the first endhook 124 and the second center hook 182. Another aperture 160 is formedby the second end hook 144 and the first center hook 180. For balance, apair of springs 86 straddle the arms 122, 142.

In order to maintain the same squeeze pressure throughout the variousversions of the latch 14, the spring 86 is kept the same length. For thewider versions of FIGS. 20 and 21, the outer spring wall 128 is at theend of a spring wall extension 184 that extends inwardly from the centerbar 120 and the inner wall center bar 140 is wider. For the widerversion of FIG. 22, the outer spring walls 128, 148 are at the end ofspring wall extensions 184, 186 that extend inwardly from the center bar120, 140. The spring slot 104 is also the same length throughout thevarious versions so that the spring slot ends 112 are the same distanceapart.

The panel 12 attaches to items of gear 2 such as holsters, cuff cases,radio holders, and other pouches that are to be attached to the dutybelt or other carrier. The panel 12 can have any number of knobs 28, thenumber of which will depend on the weight and size of the item 2. Forexample, a light and/or narrow item 2, such as a flashlight pouch, canhave a mount with two vertical knobs 28, as in FIG. 23. A light/wideitem 2, such as a handcuff pouch, can have a mount with two horizontalknobs 28, as in FIG. 24. A heavy/wide item 2, such as a dual mag pouch,gun holster, radio pouch, and Taser holster, can have a mount with fourknobs 28 arranged in a rectangle, as in FIG. 25. The four-knob panel 12can be used for greater security of lethal and less lethal weapons, aswell as heavier, more expensive items, like a radio.

The plate 20 of the panel 12 can be riveted, stitched, screwed, orotherwise attached to the gear item 2. Alternatively, the knobs 28 canbe produced integrally with the gear item 2. For example, if the backsurface of the gear item 2 is rigid, such as a badge, the knobs 28 canbe formed with or attached directly to the item 2, as in FIG. 27.

Optionally, the panel 12 can have a swivel 250 between the plate 20/item2 and the knobs 28. As shown in the cross-section of FIG. 26, the swivel250 has a base 252 that is attached to the gear item 2 or plate 20 and arotator 254 from which the knobs 28 extend. The base 252 and rotator 254are attached together by an axle 265 on which the rotator 254 rotates.Optionally, the swivel 250 includes detents 258 to retain the rotator256 at desired angles. For example, the swivel 250 has detents to retainthe rotator 256 at 0°, 45°, and 90°. The swivel 250 is useful when it isdesired to rotate the gear item out of the way in certain situations.For example, when driving, the swivel 250 permits the user to rotate aflashlight pouch forward so it does not interfere with sitting.

As mentioned above, the latch 14 attaches to a carrier 4 and the presentinvention contemplates several different methods of doing so. In onemethod, the latch 14 is attached to the carrier 4 by the panel 12. Forexample, if the carrier 4 is a shirt, the latch 14 is inside the shirtand the panel 12 is outside the shirt, as in FIG. 27. The knobs 28 aretypically conical and are pushed through the shirt fabric 4 to attach tothe latch 14.

Alternatively, a carrier adapter 16 attached to the latch 14 adapts thelatch 14 to a carrier 4. There are several forms of carrier adapters 16,each designed for attaching to a different type of carrier 4. Thecarrier adapter 16 can be integrated with the latch 14. Alternatively,the carrier adapter 16 can be removably attached to the latch 14 by, forexample, screws 188, as seen in FIGS. 29 and 32.

A carrier adapter 16 for attaching the latch 14 to a duty belt is shownin FIGS. 28 and 29. A belt channel 192 is formed in a rectangular tube190 that is attached to the back 82 of the latch frame 72.Alternatively, the back 82 of the latch frame 72 is one side of the tube190. The belt channel 192 is slid onto the duty belt 200 and secured inthe desired position by one or more set screws 194. The duty beltcarrier adapter 16 can be narrow for a single-wide latch 14 or wide fordouble-wide latch 14.

As described above, a duty belt 200 is typically used with a narrowermicroloop/microhook keeper belt 202. At the locations where the latch 14is on the duty belt 200, the duty belt 200 does not secure to themicroloop/microhook keeper belt 202. Optionally, the latch 14 includes amicroloop/microhook fastener strip 198 that attaches to the keeper belt202 for a more secure attachment. Optionally, microloop/microhookfastener strip 198 is within a shallow, horizontal groove 196.

Another carrier adapter 16 for attaching the latch 14 to a duty belt isshown in FIGS. 30 and 31. This carrier adapter 16 is designed tosecurely clip onto to a duty belt without having to remove the dutybelt. The top of the carrier adapter body 270 is bent approximately 180°toward the body 270 to form a clip 272. The outside of the clip 242 hasa lateral depression 274 near the free end 276. The bottom of the body270 bends upwardly 180° to form a horizontal pivot channel 278. Onehorizontal side 282 of a rectangular wire hasp 280 is captured in andfreely pivots horizontally within the channel 278, as shown in FIG. 30.The wire hasp 280 is sized such that, when it is pivoted upwardly, thefree horizontal side 284 of the hasp 280 snaps into the lateraldepression 274 in the clip 272, as in FIG. 32.

A carrier adapter 16 for attaching to a MOLLE-equipped carrier is shownin FIGS. 32-34. The top edge 210 of the body 208 has one or more hooks214 that hook into the MOLLE loops 236 and are space apartappropriately. A pair of tabs 216, 218 extend downwardly from the body208, separated by a vertical slot 220. The slot 220 has a bend 222 thatforms a horizontal finger 224 in one tab 216 and a corresponding notch228 in the other tab 218. Optionally, the notched tab 218 has a hook 228opposite the notch 226.

As seen in FIG. 34, the MOLLE carrier adapter 16 can be narrow for asingle-wide latch 14 or wide for a double-wide latch 14. Shown with thesingle-wide carrier adapter 16 in FIG. 34, the tabs 216, 218 canstraddle the stitching 234 in the MOLLE strips 232 that separates theMOLLE loops 236, with the finger 222 hooking under the stitching 234.Shown with the double-wide carrier adapter 16 in FIG. 34, both tabs 216,218 can fit into the same MOLLE loop 236, with the hook 228 under one ofthe stitchings 234.

A carrier adapter 16 for attaching to a horizontal slot is shown in FIG.35. The top of the carrier adapter body 240 is bent greater than 180°toward the body 240 to form a clip 242. Optionally, the clip 242 has abulge 244 near the free end 246 that makes contact with the body 240.The clip 244 slides into the slot, such as a pocket or other horizontalopening, and is held there by the clip 244.

The latch 14 is typically composed of stainless steel, aluminum, othermetal alloy, or molded plastic with metal inner parts. The carrieradapter 16 is typically composed of stainless steel, aluminum, othermetal alloy, or molded plastic.

Thus it has been shown and described a gear attachment system. Sincecertain changes may be made in the present disclosure without departingfrom the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matterdescribed in the foregoing specification and shown in the accompanyingdrawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for attaching an item of gearto a duty belt, the apparatus comprising: (a) a knob having a neckadapted to attach to the item of gear, and a head extending from theneck, the neck having a diameter and the head having a diameter largerthan the neck diameter; (b) a latch having a frame, a first slider, asecond slider, and a biasing mechanism, the frame having a front sideand back side; (c) the frame having a knob bore in the front side; (d)the first slider having a first center bar, a first squeeze edge on thefirst center bar, a first at least one arm extending perpendicularlyfrom a first inner edge of the first center bar opposite the firstsqueeze edge to a first hook, the first hook curving betweenapproximately 90° and approximately 180° back toward the first centerbar to form a first concave edge; (e) the second slider having a secondcenter bar, a second squeeze edge on the second center bar, a second atleast one arm extending perpendicularly from a second inner edge of thesecond center bar opposite the second squeeze edge to a second hook, thesecond hook curving between approximately 90° and approximately 180°back toward the second center bar to form a second concave edge; (f) thesliders slidably mounted within a slider depression in the front side ofthe frame such that the first concave edge and the second concave edgeform an aperture aligned with the knob bore, the aperture having a widthand a height, the height being larger than the knob head diameter; (g)the biasing mechanism biasing the first slider and the second slideraway from each other such that the latch is in a latched positionwherein the aperture width is smaller than the knob head diameter; (h)when the first slider and the second slider are forced toward each otheragainst the biasing mechanism, the latch is in an unlatched positionwherein the aperture width is larger than the knob head diameter; (i) arectangular tube on the back side of the frame, the tube having a beltchannel adapted to receive a duty belt; and (j) at least one set screwextending into the belt channel and adapted to secure the latch to theduty belt; (k) whereby, when the latch is in the unlatched position, theknob is removably receivable by the aperture, and when the latch is inthe latched position, the knob is captured by the aperture.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the rectangular tube is removably attachedto the frame.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising amicroloop/microhook fastener strip on an outside wall of the rectangulartube opposite the frame.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein thefastener strip is in a shallow groove in the outside wall of therectangular tube.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a paneladapted to attach to the item of gear and having a rigid plate with afront surface, the knob neck attached to the panel such that the knobextends perpendicularly from the front surface.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 5 wherein the plate and knob are integral.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 5 wherein the plate and knob are produced independently, and theknob neck is attached to the plate.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a swivel adapted to attach to the item of gear and whereinthe knob neck is attached to the swivel.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the frame has a cover attached to the front side and with holesaligned with the aperture through which the knob extends.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the biasing mechanism is at least one coilspring between the first slider center bar and the second slider centerbar.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame has slider stopsthat limit slider travel.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the firstat least one arm is two arms and the second at least one arm is twoarms.
 13. An apparatus for attaching an item of gear to a duty belt, theapparatus comprising: (a) a plurality of knobs, each knob having a neckadapted to attach to the item of gear, and a head extending from theneck, the neck having a diameter and the head having a diameter largerthan the neck diameter; (b) a latch having a frame, a first slider, asecond slider, and a biasing mechanism, the frame having a front sideand back side; (c) the frame having a knob bore in the front side foreach knob; (d) the first slider having a first center bar, a firstsqueeze edge on the first center bar, a first at least one arm extendingperpendicularly from a first inner edge of the first center bar oppositethe first squeeze edge to a first hook, the first hook curving betweenapproximately 90° and approximately 180° back toward the first centerbar to form a first concave edge, a first center hook on the first armbetween the first center bar and the first hook, the first center hookcurving between approximately 90° and approximately 180° back toward thefirst center bar to form a first center concave edge; (e) the secondslider having a second center bar, a second squeeze edge on the secondcenter bar, a second at least one arm extending perpendicularly from asecond inner edge of the second center bar opposite the second squeezeedge to a second hook, the second hook curving between approximately 90°and approximately 180° back toward the second center bar to form asecond concave edge, a second center hook on the second arm between thesecond center bar and the second hook, the second center hook curvingbetween approximately 90° and approximately 180° back toward the secondcenter bar to form a second center concave edge; (f) the slidersslidably mounted within a slider depression in the front side of theframe such that the first concave edge and the second center concaveedge form a first aperture and the second concave edge and the firstcenter concave edge form a second aperture, each aperture aligned with aknob bore, each aperture having a width and a height, the height beinglarger than the knob head diameter; (g) the biasing mechanism biasingthe first slider and the second slider away from each other such thatthe latch is in a latched position wherein the aperture width is smallerthan the knob head diameter; (h) when the first slider and the secondslider are forced toward each other against the biasing mechanism, thelatch is in an unlatched position wherein the aperture width is largerthan the knob head diameter; (i) a belt channel on the back side of theframe and adapted to receive a duty belt; and (j) at least one set screwextending into the belt channel and adapted to secure the latch to theduty belt; (k) whereby, when the latch is in the unlatched position,each knob is removably receivable by one aperture, and when the latch isin the latched position, the knob is captured by the aperture.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13 wherein the rectangular tube is removably attachedto the frame.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising amicroloop/microhook fastener strip on an outside wall of the rectangulartube opposite the frame.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein thefastener strip is in a shallow groove in the outside wall of therectangular tube.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising apanel; adapted to attach to the item of gear and having a rigid platewith a front surface, the knob necks attached to the panel such that theknobs extend perpendicularly from the front surface.
 18. The apparatusof claim 17 wherein the plate and knobs are integral.
 19. The apparatusof claim 17 wherein the plate and knobs are produced independently, andthe knobs are attached to the plate.
 20. The apparatus of claim 13further comprising a swivel adapted to attach to the item of gear andwherein the knob necks are attached to the swivel.
 21. The apparatus ofclaim 13 wherein the frame has a cover attached to the front side andwith holes aligned with the apertures through which the knobs extend.22. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the biasing mechanism is at leastone coil spring between the first slider center bar and the secondslider center bar.
 23. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the frame hasslider stops that limit slider travel.
 24. The apparatus of claim 13wherein the first at least one arm is two arms and the second at leastone arm is two arms.